Feb. 18, 2007

February 18, 2007 -

Northeast Philadelphia, PA - Neumann took on conference rival Utica College today at the Polonia Bank Great Northeast Flyer's Skate Zone.  The game was moved due to Utica being unable to travel on Friday February 17^th.  With the Knights sitting in second place and Utica in 4^th, playoff anticipation was high. 

 

In his pre-game interview, Knights head coach Matt Kennedy explained the challenges that Utica presented, "Utica has good speed and the potential to score quickly.  We'll have to use our own speed to counter-attack and control the puck to create more scoring opportunities for us."  Coach Kennedy proved to be correct in his assessment as Utica jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead at the end of the first period.  Poor passing and a sluggish start forced the Knights to play from behind.

 

In the second period, the Knights came out with great energy and scored their first goal of the game.  Sophomore forward Carly Fitzsimmons put the Knights on the board.  This was moments after freshman Holly Williams was denied on a break-a-way.  The momentum shifted towards the Knights, but they were unable to capitalize.  Utica came back and registered a goal of their own to go into the third period with a 3-1 lead.

 

Neumann opened up the scoring in the third while on a 2-man advantage. Fitzsimmons tallied the goal with an assist by sophomore assistant captain Jenelle Marier.  This made the score 3-2.  A tying goal was disallowed on high-stick violation and giving momentum back to Utica.  Utica promptly scored their fourth goal of the game to go up 4-2.  However, the Knights weren't done.  Sophomore captain Jenelle Marier scored for the Knights making the score 4-3.  Coach Kennedy pulled goaltender, Junior Teresa White, to get an extra attacker in a last ditch effort to generate more offense.  However, a late penalty forced him to put White back in net and the game ended with Utica winning 4-3.